Delta Air Lines Renews Grant for Agnes Scott-Led Global Learning Initiative

Delta Air Lines has awarded Agnes Scott College a grant to serve as a host institution for the Advancing Global Inclusive Leadership Education (AGILE) program. Launched two years ago as a collaborative project between Agnes Scott and Kennesaw State University, with Atlanta Metropolitan State College and Morehouse College participating in the second year, the AGILE program builds on Agnes Scott’s unique SUMMIT Global Learning curriculum by offering historically underrepresented students access to study abroad as well as professional development and networking opportunities with leaders from Delta Air Lines and other Atlanta-based organizations.

“Delta Air Lines has been a crucial partner as we developed this project,” said Dr. Heather Scott, assistant dean for inclusive leadership curriculum and co-curriculum, who serves as the AGILE program director. “Their ongoing support has a transformative impact on the future academic and professional success of our students.”

The program began in 2021 with an initial pilot as part of the Atlanta Global Studies Center’s efforts to support innovative global-local partnerships and strengthen the intercultural skills of Atlanta’s future leaders. Agnes Scott is a founding member of the Atlanta Global Studies Center, and Dr. Gundolf Graml, associate vice president and dean for curriculum and strategic initiatives, views Delta’s support as evidence of the beneficial impact of this institutional collaboration.

 “I am grateful for the collaboration with our higher education partners that enables the different institutions to really impact the community,” said Graml. “Delta Air Lines’ recognition of Agnes Scott as a host institution for this program validates the ongoing innovative work of our faculty and staff.”

Agnes Scott is also a beneficiary of Delta Air Lines’ sponsorship of 300 free passports for students at area institutions, which also include Emory University, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Spelman College and Kennesaw State University. “This passport sponsorship program significantly lowers the barriers to international and social mobility for our students,” says Laura Ochs, associate director of Agnes Scott’s Center for Global Learning, who represented the college on the proposal.

Delta Air Lines has been a strong partner in Agnes Scott’s work for many years. In 2022, Delta CEO Ed Bastian was a keynote speaker at Agnes Scott’s annual Women’s Global Leadership Conference, where he announced a one-million-dollar grant from The Delta Air Lines Foundation toward the college’s Global Journeys program following his conversation with President Leocadia I. Zak. 

“Delta Air Lines is the ideal partner for Agnes Scott’s efforts to educate the diverse global leaders of tomorrow,” says Zak. “I am truly grateful for the ongoing support from the Delta Air Lines community.”

Learn more about Agnes Scott’s global learning program here.